Entering the USA - outstanding medical bill

ncmc

We are travelling to the US this summer and so will be filling out the ESTA form. However last year we were in the states and my hubby needed hospital treatment. Long story short, the treatment was not covered by our Travel Insurance and the bills are still outstanding. This may sound like a naive question, but could immigration have access to this information? I know things like unpaid traffic fines can cause problems, but does anyone know about other unpaid bills?

ncmc

Bump... anyone any ideas about this???

helimachoptor

I doubt immigration would be too bothered about that information if they had access to it.

It will only be a problem I reckon if the hospital successfully sued you in your absence and there was a bench warrant issued for your arrest or something.

They would have had your hotel address and probably your home address so have you not got any written communication from them?

In any case if you are leaving from Dublin or shannon,the problem will show up there and you wont have to go through a deport procedure and all that jazz as you will still be in Ireland.

I'd say you are ok to be honest.

wcullen

Could you not complete the ESTA form online? This may or may not throw up reasons for disallowing your visa.

"Passengers will require an approved ESTA prior to boarding their flight under the current Visa Waiver Program.

Travellers must provide information such as their name, date of birth, and passport details, along with answers to questions regarding their eligibility to travel under the US Visa Waiver Programme.

Applications can be submitted at any time prior to travel. However the US authorities recommend that this be done as early as possible. Provision will be made for last-minute or emergency travel.

The travel authorisation will remain valid for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The requirement does not apply to persons with a current valid US visa."



http://www.dublinairport.com/at-airport/latest-news/050109_esta.html

maxwell smart

A "good friend" of mine has several outstanding parking tickets for the states of Rhode Island and Mass. He always flys into New York as its a different state. The only way he could be pursed for these out of the state he committed these infractions in by the FBI......something they are a bit too busy to do in reality. So in other words, don't sweat it, and to be sure to be sure, fly into a different state!

dereko1969

Here's a novel idea, how about paying what you owe!! Then you won't have to worry about not being allowed into the country.

Famous45

Doesn't matter what state you enter. Homeland will still stop you and question you.

They will have it on file if, as stated above, a bench warrant was placed on the person, which I'd imagine it would be.

Fill out the form and see what response you get.

P. Breathnach

Frankly, if I had left a hospital bill unpaid, I'd be embarrassed to go back to the country where it was due.

Are holidays more important than paying your bills?

Benedict XVI

Medical bills in the US can be outrageously expensive and if you are on holiday and end up in a hospital for a few days they it will cost a bomb.

It is noting like like a 'free' health care you get here.

dereko1969

does that mean they shouldn't be paid?